No Ordinary Affair Read Free Page A

of the two. “And I’m sure you’re eager to wait on that dashing gentleman there.”
    I glanced over to see the corner of Ethan’s mouth lift in a smile, and blushed a bit as I saw the two women to the door.
    “Come again,” I said, and meant it. I get some oddball customers. Most of them were nice, but some aren’t and spend the majority of their time dickering with me over prices I had no authority to change.
    I looked to the left and right as I closed the door. Rain had started to fall and no one was coming. We were alone.
    I shut the door, and the little bell on it jingled as I did. Then with a deep breath I turned my attention to Ethan. And my life changed from that moment on.

 
Chapter Two
     
     
    “Mr. Willoughby. You’re back.”
    “Yes.” He smiled. “I told you I would and I always keep my word. I’d hardly be a gentleman if I didn’t.”
    “Of course not.” I felt silly saying that, but really couldn’t think of any other reply and walked over to the counter. “I suppose you’ll be wanting to know about that…piece you inquired about.”
    “The paddle,” he said, and I felt heat rise to my face.
    “Yes,” I said. “ Miss Parsham was kind enough to price it for me before she went to.. . ”
    “You look lovely today.”
    My blush deepened as I murmured a “thank you” without looking up from where I now knelt under the counter.
    “That dress. It’s very feminine. I think all women should be required to dress as you are. So many run around these days clad in that horrible androgynous garb. Should I ever find myself so fortunate to have so exquisite a lady as you, she shall be required to dress just as you are dressed today.”   I stood and placed the paddle on the counter and he reached for it. As he did, his hand covered mine and I turned my eyes to his. They locked. “Or else,” he said.
    “That seems a bit harsh, sir,” I replied.
    “Somehow I don’t think you really disagree with me.” A smile played on his lips, faint, but it was there and slightly mocking.
    “Whatever do you mean?”
    “I detect a rather old-fashioned girl in you,” he responded.
    “Nonsense, you don’t even know me.” I said, trying to appear equally aloof. But I’ve never been good at masking my true feelings. My heart was beating so wildly that I was sure he could hear it.
    “Now you’re just being coy,” he said.
    “Hardly,” I said, managing a nervous laugh. “I’m not one to play games.”
    “Then you deny it?” He raised one elegant eyebrow.
    “I neither deny nor confirm,” I said. Good Lord. I was being coy.
    He laughed, delighted.   “Very well then,” he said. “As you wish. So tell me, what price does you employer put on this implement, then?”
    He pulled out his purse and I suddenly felt a sharp, nearly unbearable sting of disappointment. He was finalizing the purchase and within moments would walk out the door and I’d never see him again. The depth of my feelings shocked and disturbed me. How was it that this stranger could arouse such a reaction in me?
    “Twelve pounds,” I muttered, picking up a bag from under the counter.
    He handed me the money and I took it. Why I asked the next question still remains a mystery. I like to tell myself I was just curious. But I know now it was something more. I wanted to keep him there, to keep him talking, to continue what I know now I cold feel starting…
    “Why do you want it?”
    “Want what?”
    I frowned. Who was being coy now?
    “That awful thing. The paddle. Why do you want it?”
    “I’m an historian,” he said. “I just bought the old Drumlin place six kilometers outside of town. You know it?”
    “Yes,” I said. “ Miss Parsham went there for an estate sale when the owners passed.”
    “Then she’ll know there’s an old school on the property. I’m restoring it.”
    “You are?” I was delighted. “That’s marvelous, that you’re caring for it. I rather like old things – love them actually.